Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2013 – 2018) Review

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2013 – 2018) At A Glance

4/5

+One of the best used vans on the market, easy to drive, wide range of bodystyles.

-Expensive, no front-wheel drive option.

Based on the second-generation 2006 Sprinter, the 2013 van adds some much needed comfort and refinement to Mercedes-Benz's big van. Admittedly, it still lags behind its rivals on value, but the Sprinter remains one of the best used vans on the market.

The four-cylinder 2.1-litre CDI diesel is the mainstay of the engine range. Entry-level models get 95PS but the most popular model is the 130PS version, plus there's the top 3.0-litre engine with 190PS. The standard gearbox remains the six-speed manual or there's the optional 7G-Tronic Plus automatic.

The Sprinter is renowned as one of the best handling vans on the market, with light and responsive steering that makes it easy to navigate around town or guide the van into a tight parking space. However, there's no front-wheel drive option, which means the loading height is signifcantly higher in the Sprinter than its rivals. 

As well as the new look, the 2013 changes added improved upholstery and seat coverings plus a thicker steering wheel and new air vents. The gear lever has been redesigned and there's a new generation radio that includes Bluetooth and a Becker Map Pilot navigation system. These are small changes but they add up to make the Sprinter feel that bit more modern.

There are also five new safety systems in the new Sprinter including a new Crosswind Assist system which comes as standard. If there's a sudden and strong gust of wind, the ESP system will use the brakes to keep the Sprinter from veering out its lane.

Used Buying Guide - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

A solid, dependable addition to your business, plentiful used choice and affordable buying and running costs make it an attractive proposition, and that’s before you add the kudos of the three-pointed star on its substantial front grille. 

Read the buying guide here >>

Sprinter 16 (1)

Ask Honest John

We bought a Euro5 van in 2016 - should it have been Euro6?

"I bought a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from a Mercedes dealer in April 2016. It has a Euro5 engine so is liable to the ULEZ charge. I believe I have been sold it fraudulently as according to legislation “Euro6 is the sixth incarnation of the European Union directive to reduce harmful pollutants from vehicle exhausts. The Euro 6 standard was introduced in September 2015, and all mass-produced cars sold from this date need to meet these emissions requirements.” So we should not have been sold it in April 2016 – eight months after it was introduced. Can you help?"
It's important to note that the ULEZ is not based on a van's Euro rating - it's actually decided by the levels of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that the van emits. And some Euro5 diesels qualify for the ULEZ because the PM and NOx levels are low enough to meet the standards. That means your van might not be liable for the charges. You can find out here: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/ulez-van-checker-will-you-have-to-pay-the-low-emissions-charge/ When it comes holding the dealer liable for the Euro5 engine in your Sprinter, I think you'll struggle. Euro6 on all new large vans was not mandatory until September 2016.
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best second-hand long wheelbase van?

"I want to buy a second-hand long wheelbase van such as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Renault Master and want advice as to the best make for reliability, servicing, road tax and insurance with a budget of £7k. I would like as low mileage as possible - what should I be looking for and how many owners? It's for getting our mobile bars, tables chairs, gazebos, glassware and everything a bar requires, to and from events and festivals."
When buying a used van, you want the newest and best conditioned vehicle you can afford. A four-year-old van with 100,000 miles is a far better buy than a 10-year-old van with 50,000 miles. This is because these are working vehicles, designed for regular usage over long distances. They’re not designed to sit up for long periods or just cover short drop mileages. The latter will provide all manner of mechanical problems with the DPF: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-news/comment/van-drivers-urged-to-be-aware-of-dpf-issues-when-buying-a-new-van/ Servicing and history are key: the seller should have the actual paper bills for all the work on the van. The owner should also present a computer print-out of its service history. Ideally, a van should be serviced annually, with an oil change every 10,000 miles. If it has been 'underserviced' with gaps of more than a year, avoid it altogether. All vans are taxed at a flat rate of £250, which applies to all makes, models and sizes of commercial vehicle. However, when it comes to durability, MoT records suggest that the Fiat Ducato and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are best: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/mot-results/the-mot-files-10-best-vans-pick-ups-for-passing-the-first-mot-in-uk/ For all of our used van buying advice, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-buy-and-sell/top-10-tips-to-buying-a-used-van/ For advice on getting cheap van insurance, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/cheap-van-insurance/
Answered by Dan Powell

We need a large MPV - what are our options?

"We've had a Volkswagen Transporter (nine seater) but looking for more seats now, 10-12 but no bigger. Is the only option the Ford Minibus in the UK? We don't like the look and are rather accustomed to the comforts of the T5."
If you want more seats then you’ll have to get something larger than the Volkswagen Transporter. Ford Transit, Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano minibuses can carry up to 17 (depending on spec). Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Tourer is another option (with seven to 17 seat models). Personally, I’d recommend the Sprinter and the Transit, with the latter providing the best value. For all van reviews, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/
Answered by Dan Powell

Mercedes won't refund my repair bill for a breakdown abroad - where do I stand?

"My 2014 Hymer B 585 Starlight motorhome (based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) recently broke down while I was in Ireland. I was recovered to an authorised Mercedes-Benz repairer, who eventually diagnosed the problem as a faulty ECU. This was replaced at a cost of €2000. On my return to the UK, I contacted Hymer, Mercedes-Benz and my Hymer dealer requesting a refund of my repair bill as I felt the ECU should have lasted longer than three years and 8650 miles. Hymer and my dealer informed me it was a Mercedes issue. Mercedes refused my claim stating they do not know how the vehicle has been driven and also because they had no process to contact the repairer as it was outside their network. When I told them the repairer was an authorised Mercedes-Benz repairer they confirmed the repairer was in their network but still refused my claim. Where do I stand? Surely the ECU should last the best part of the life of the vehicle and if not Mercedes are liable for at least some of the repair costs? "
Chain of liability. If you want to put in a Small Claim, put it in to the supplier to whom you paid your money, whether that was a Hymer dealer or Hymer directly. This tells you how to do it: https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/overview/
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2013 – 2018) cost?